What is Cancer?
Cancer is
characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
In a healthy adult, millions of cells grow, divide and die
each day to replace worn-out or dying cells or to repair injury. This
process is tightly controlled. Should the genetic material of a particular
cell become damaged as a result of smoking, pollutants in the
environment, or other factors, that cell can begin to multiply
uncontrollably. Over time, these cancer cells can accumulate and form
tumors, which can harm the body in a number of ways.
Tumors can invade and destroy nearby tissue. Some tumors secrete hormones or
enzymes that disrupt the body's normal functions. As tumors grow,
they develop networks of blood vessels to provide them with
nourishment. They begin to rob healthy cells of essential
nutrients.
For specific information and interactive tools, click here. See
also: Prostate
Cancer, Breast
Cancer
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